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Watch this if you liked: “Resident Evil”, “Resident Evil: Apocalypse”, “Resident Evil: Extinction”

Get ready for the 4th instalment of the Resident Evil saga, "Afterlife", in 3D! As 3D is currently the "hot shiz" in the cinema industry, many films have been jumping the 3D bandwagon. Sadly, they been delivering poor 3D effects and cinematography. With the 3rd Resident Evil movie scoring unfavourable reviews, do we really want another Resident Evil movie?

Hold back your pitch forks and torches, Resident Evil fans! Director Paul W. S. Anderson (who directed the first Resident Evil film) has returned for the 4th instalment and decided to utilise the same 3D Fusion Camera System that James Cameron used for his blockbuster film "Avatar", with positive results. While the movie is certainly no "Avatar", it holds itself well for a 3D film compared to other 3D movie busts. Fans will get to enjoy the same sense of depth perception and crisp imagery as with "Avatar 3D". Suffice to say; seeing blood splattered all across the screen in 3D definitely sealed the deal.

The plot and story is a no-brainer, but it's not too bad either. The movie pays a lot of homage to the video game series and this time features the creatures of the Resident Evil 5 video game, such as the Executioner as seen in the movie trailer. Other creatures set to appear include the new Resident Evil 5 zombies, known as "Majini", the new zombie dogs ("Adjule") and the mind-controlling device from the video game. Speaking of homage, RE fans should pay close attention to the early part of the movie to spot a brilliant reference to the video game.

Returning to reprise their roles include Milla Jovovich as Alice and Ali Larter as Claire Redfield. Chris Redfield finally makes his cinematic debut with Wentworth Miller playing the role. Ironically, Chris Redfield starts off in the movie locked up in a prison cell, much like Miller's role in the popular TV series "Prison Break". Albert Wesker, who is the primary antagonist of the series, returns in "Afterlife" and is portrayed by Shawn Roberts. Fans will be pleased to know that Wesker is just as bad-ass, much like his video game counterpart, retaining all of his characteristics, mannerisms, superhuman powers and regenerative capabilities! Unfortunately, the final battle scene should have been longer...

"Afterlife" is an improvement over the previous movie instalment. Whilst it is still a movie version of the Resident Evil franchise, it has brought back certain essence and elements reminiscent of the first movie. It is good enough to forgive the producers for making the 3rd movie, and as you will see during the rolling credits, the Resident Evil saga is not over yet. This reviewer rates it a 4 out of 5 S.T.A.R.S.

Cinema Online, 10 September 2010